I personally use Ubuntu. Get the GUI - not any of the server options. Ubuntu is generally the most friendly. You can try Mint, Debian, Red Hat (may have to pay), or Kali (mainly for ethical hacking). But Ubuntu is the most friendly version. It is easy to install as a dual-boot in your OS.
This, just download Ubuntu to a 16gb or larger flash drive. It's simpler to navigate. Most PCs have boot on usb enabled from the factory now. If not, if the HDD is inaccessible it should default. Just because the OS is corrupted doesn't mean you've lost your files, and dual booting into Ubuntu will allow you to check the disk for integrity.
You really don't even need 16gb but that gives you the ability to back up files while you are loaded into it
I personally use Ubuntu. Get the GUI - not any of the server options. Ubuntu is generally the most friendly. You can try Mint, Debian, Red Hat (may have to pay), or Kali (mainly for ethical hacking). But Ubuntu is the most friendly version. It is easy to install as a dual-boot in your OS.
This, just download Ubuntu to a 16gb or larger flash drive. It's simpler to navigate. Most PCs have boot on usb enabled from the factory now. If not, if the HDD is inaccessible it should default. Just because the OS is corrupted doesn't mean you've lost your files, and dual booting into Ubuntu will allow you to check the disk for integrity.
You really don't even need 16gb but that gives you the ability to back up files while you are loaded into it
Exactly, the first recommendation for new Linux users should obviously be Ubuntu ( https://ubuntu.com/desktop ).
Howto Create a bootable USB stick on Ubuntu : https://ubuntu.com/tutorials/create-a-usb-stick-on-ubuntu